Angela Buchdahl: This Passover, have faith in the story of the Exodus
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In this powerful episode of What Matters Now, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi of New York City's Central Synagogue and author of 'Heart of a Stranger,' reflects on the profound intersection of Jewish identity, resilience, and storytelling in the wake of October 7th. Drawing from her personal journey as a Korean-American, biracial Jew, she explores how the Exodus narrative is not just ancient history but a living, urgent story for Jews today—especially as both American and Israeli Jews grapple with rising anti-Semitism, existential threats, and internal divisions. She emphasizes that the core of Jewish identity lies in the 'heart of a stranger,' a state of being marginalized that has shaped Jewish empathy, resilience, and moral responsibility. Buchdahl shares how her synagogue became a sanctuary for hostage families, using symbolic acts like draping an Israeli flag over an empty chair to represent the ongoing struggle for liberation. She also discusses the complex relationship between American and Israeli Jewry, advocating for a dynamic, two-headed model of Jewish life where differing perspectives strengthen rather than divide the community. Her message is one of hope: that liberation is possible, not just through divine intervention, but through collective courage and faith in the story we choose to live by.
The Exodus story is not just historical—it’s a living narrative that reflects the current Jewish experience of being 'strangers' in a narrowing world.
True Jewish resilience comes from embracing the 'heart of a stranger' as a source of empathy, not just survival.
Symbolic acts—like the empty chair with an Israeli flag—can become powerful tools for solidarity and remembrance.
The Jewish people must maintain a 'two-headed' model of identity: American Jews as minority insiders, Israelis as sovereign agents, both needed to hold each other accountable.
Love and justice require 'tochacha'—loving rebuke—rather than silence or cancellation, especially in times of deep division.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Story in a Time of Crisis
“Israel wins wars but keeps losing the story. How can that be changed?”
The Heart of a Stranger: A Personal and Collective Identity
“The existential state of what it is to be a Jew is to know what it is to be the stranger.”
The Exodus as a Living Narrative
“We don’t have to use our imagination to feel like we’re in Mitzrayim. I’m thinking about my Israeli friends... under daily rocket sirens.”
Symbolism, Solidarity, and the Empty Chair
The episode explores the powerful symbolic act of draping an Israeli flag over an empty chair at Central Synagogue to represent the hostages. Buchdahl explains the theological and emotional significance of this gesture and how it became a national symbol of hope and remembrance.
The Two-Headed Jewish Body: America and Israel
“We do not have one single head at the top. We don't have a pope. As long as we've had Judaism, we've had multiple ways of being Jewish.”
“We’re on the edge of the sea feeling like there is nowhere to go. But I promise you we will.”
“The existential state of what it is to be a Jew is to know what it is to be the stranger.”
“The Jewish response is, no, we know what it's like. So therefore do not oppress the stranger.”
Host
Guest
Israel
place
Angela Buchdahl
person
October 7th
other
Exodus
other
Central Synagogue
organization
New York City
place
Heart of a Stranger
book
Passover
other
Jessica Steinberg
person
Zoram Amdani
person
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